ASTM D3939 is a standard for determining the snagging resistance of fabrics. It is used to ensure product quality according to customer demand during the manufacturing process. Researchers use it to develop new yarn, fiber or finish that can resist snagging.
Laundering affects the fabric’s snagging resistance. So, this test should be performed before and after laundering to thoroughly determine the fabric’s snagging resistance. It also depends upon the individual wearer’s daily exposure conditions.
The mace snag test is suitable for woven and knitted fabrics, but it is not recommended for net fabrics.
What is snagging in Textile?
What is snagging in Textile?In textiles, snagging is the name of a phenomenon in which a fiber or yarn is pulled out from the fabric’s surface in case of contact with a sharp object or rubbing with a rough surface.
It disturbs the fabric’s aesthetic look, giving the cloth an older look. It reduces the fabric’s strength, and the customer is not satisfied with it when making a new purchase.
Which Factors Influence Snagging?
Here are the factors that cause snagging in textiles.
Fabric Construction
Fabric construction is a very important factor in influencing snagging. Loose-weave fabrics are more inclined to snag than tightly woven fabrics due to the free space between yarns.
Fiber Type
The fiber types affect the snagging because all fibers do not have the same properties. For example, polyester or nylon has high tensile strength compared to natural fibers like cotton or silk.
That is why Polyester is more resistant to snagging than cotton. Natural fibers have shorter lengths, which tend to cause snagging.
Yarn Type
There are generally three types of yarn, filament, Spun and textured. The filament yarn is smoother and has longer length but they do not have close ends. That is why it is easier to get snag.
On the other hand, spun yarns are made from shorter fibers that are twisted together. This makes them resistant to snagging. The textured yarns have a rough surface, which reduces the snagging resistance.
Manufacturing Conditions
In textile industries, fabric passes through multiple sages to prepare for wear. In textile processing units, high pressure is applied to the padding to squeeze the fabric.
Fabric is pulled from one stage to another, like desizing to bleaching, and improper tension in processing and weaving units reduces the fabric strength. In this way, the manufacturing conditions also affect the fabric’s resistance to snagging.
It can be improved by applying certain finishes that increase the fabric weight, give strength and resist loop formation.
Fabric Finishing
The fabric undergoes several chemical and mechanical treatment processes, which reduces the fabric’s durability. It also reduces the fabric itself resistance to snagging. However, it can be increased by applying anti-snagging finishes.
Embroidery
Fabrics designed with embroidery and lace have a higher chance of snagging because they have open thread work that can be pulled out by sharp objects or pulling. Similarly, jacquard and knit fabrics also tend to snag more on rough surfaces.
Wearing and Washing Conditions
Excessive wearing and multiple weekly washings will affect the fabric’s resistance to snagging. Carefully handling the clothes can increase the fabric’s life span and avoid snagging.
Scope of ASTM D3939
Scope of ASTM D3939ASTM D39393 standard determines the textile resistance to loop formation on the fabric surface. This test is suitable only for woven and knitted fabrics and is not recommended for open-construction fabrics.
What Is the Purpose Of the Fabric Snagging Test?
The ASTM D3939 test measures the fabric’s snagging resistance. It ensures fabric durability and resistance to surface damage.
Fabric durability is measured by physical testing. This test helps manufacturers ensure product quality during and after processing and takes necessary action to enhance the fabric’s resistance to surface damage.
How ASTM D3939 Test Is Performed?
The Snag Resistance Test ASTM D3939 uses a Mace Snag Tester. In this test, the fabric is tested by coming in contact with spiked balls that jab it. This technique observes how the fabric is resistant to fiber distortion.
How Rating is done?
The Mace Snag Test rating is given on a gray scale of 1 to 5. A 5 rating means that the fabric snagging resistance is too good, and no loop formation or surface damage occurred on the fabric surface after the test.
On the other hand, a 1 rating means fabric snagging resistance is poor, and fabric pulling, yarn displacement, loop formation or surface damage can occur.
Conclusion
ASTM D3939 is a standard for determining the snagging resistance of fabrics. It ensures product quality according to customer demand during the manufacturing process. Researchers use it to develop new yarn, fiber or finish that can resist snagging.
Snag Resistance Test ASTM D3939 is performed using a Mace Snag Tester. In this test fabric that has to test is came in contact with spiked balls, which jabs the fabric, through this technique we observe how the fabric is resistant to fiber distortion.
FAQs
What is ASTM D 3939?
The ASTM D 3939 is a standard for determining the snagging resistance of fabrics.
What is snagging?
In textile, snagging is the name of phenomena in which a fiber, or yarn is pulled out from the fabric’s surface in case of contact with sharp object or rubbing with rough surface.
What is the disadvantage of Snagging?
It disturbs the fabric’s aesthetic look, giving the cloth an older look. It reduces the fabric’s strength, and the customer is not satisfied with it when making a new purchase.
What Is the Purpose Of the Fabric Snagging Test?
The ASTM D 3939 test measures fabric’s snagging resistance. It ensures fabric durability and resistance to surface damage.
How ASTM D 3939 Test Is Performed?
The Snag Resistance Test ASTM D 3939 uses a Mace Snag Tester. In this test, the fabric is tested by coming in contact with spiked balls that jab it. This technique observes how the fabric is resistant to fiber distortion.
Related Resource
ASTM D3939 Mace Snag Tester YG(B)518DC
ASTM D3939: An International Test Method for Lint and Snag Testing of Textile Materials